Mechanism for transferring knitted webs



Jan. 14, 1930. L. N. D. WILLIAMS 1,743,943

MECHANISM FOR TRANSFERRING KNITTED WEBS Filed Dec. 12, 1923 5 Sheets-Shee l INVENTOR: Louis 1Z1). Williams,

WITNESSES:

Jan. 14, 1930.

L. N. D. WILLIAMS 7 MECHANISM FOR TRANSFERRING KNITTED WEBS Filed Dec. 12, 1923 5 Sheets-Shee l I l I J ll WITNESSES: INVENTOR: 6 Louis jigDJ Villiams,

1930. L. N. D. WILLIMAMS I 1,743,948

MECHANISM FOR TRANSFERRING KNITTED WEBS Filed Dec. 12, 1925 5 Sheets-Shee 5 FIG-.121 7 lTZCi LIZ. Z6 Z6 WITNESSES: I N V1N T(.)R:

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. may be relatively shifted, en masse,'-into all Patented Jan. 14, 1930 UNITED STATESPATIENTIQFFICE ouis N. n. WILLIAMS, or oeoN'rz, PENNSYLVANIA, AssreNon 'ro soo r'r & 'wrnnnurs,

INCORPORATED, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.,

A. CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MECHANISM FOR 'I'BANSFEBRING KNITTED WEBS Application. filed December 1 2, 1928. SeriatE'o, 680.063.

This invention relates to mechanism useful in connection with kmttmg machines in transferring the stitches or loops of knitted,

the transfer of knitted webs to be accomplished in an expeditious manner without necessitating manual manipulation, and to provide a simpleand efiicient means to this end whereby the possibilities of stitch dropping, distorting of the fabric loops and straining the needles of the knitting machine are entirely obviated so that a clean union between the transferred web and the first course of the knitting is assured.

In carrying out my invention, I employ means by aid of which a transfer device may be moved into transfer position, contiguous to the needles of a knitting machine,

with its stitch points in accurate alignment and registry with the needles; associated means whereby the points and the needles mutual engagement; and means whereby the fabric stitches or loops may be subsequently simultaneously advanced from one to the other. i

In substantiation of the foregoing introductory remarks, I will now proceed to describe an organization conveniently embody ing the novel features of this invention.

In the drawings Fig. I is a top plan view f a transfer device in the form of, a point ring which I employ ,in the practice of my invention in connection with a circular knitting machine.

Fig. II is an elevation of portion of a standard circular knitting machine with my improved transfer mechanism applied, the transfer ring being shown in section so as to more clearly set forth certain important details.

Fig. Ill is an illustration, similar to the preceding, shcwing the carrier for the trainwebs may be- VIjand, I

fer ring swung to active position, with the ring poised above the needle cylinder of the knitting machine, in readiness for effecting the transfer operation.

Fig. IV is a sectional view, taken as indicated by the arrows IV-IV in Fig. III,

illustrative of myimproved transfer mechanism and associated parts of the knitting machine except-as to a conventional representation of the needles having been omitted for the sake of simplicity.

Figs. V and VI are views, similar to Figure IV, showing successive steps in the manipulation of the transfer mechanism.

Figs. VII, VIII, and IX, are enlarged detail views showin the relation of the. points of the transfer rlng to the needles of the knitting machine corresponding to the po- 7 sitionin'g of the parts of the mechanism as represented respectively in Figs. IV, V and Fig. X is a detail view showing-a modi fied form of point which. may be used in lieu of the type shown in the other illuss tration.

Referring first to Figs. I, II and III of 1 these drawmgs, it will be noted that the transfer ring comprises an annular shell 1 havingat one end a circumferential enlargement or head 2 from which project a multiplicity of fluted stitch points 3 preferably arranged as a convergent annular series, as shown. Hereinafter, while I employ the term points, in order to avoid alternatives, it is to be expressly understood such term is intended to comprehend all analagouselements associated in transfer devices of the typified character. Slidably guided for independent motion relative to the shell 1 is a sleeve 4, from the outer end of which exproject through the intervals between the points 3. Disposed diametrically across the shell 1 is an actuating bar 5 and parallel thereto, as well as normally in the same plane 5M9 tend radially a series of strippers 5 that therewith, is a similar bar 7 which extends illlil inder 11 is surrounded, vnear the top, by the usual sinker ring 13. Rising from the bed plate 10 at one side of the needle cylinder:

11, is a bracket post 14 whereto is pivotally mounted at 15, a carrier 16 for the transfer ring which is swingable towardand away fromsaid needle cylinder. As shown, this carrier 16 is in the form of an arm having an angular profile confi ration and terminating in an annulus 1 from one face of which projects a circular flange boss 18. The carrier 16 is sustained in, the retracted position, shown in Fig. II, by engaging with a p fixed abutment 19 pro ecting from the bracket 14 while its inner position is determined by a stop 17 arranged'to engage a part of the needle cylinder 11, preferably on top of the ledge afforded by thesinker ring 13, as shown in Fig; III. p

The boss 18'is beveled, as at 20, to facilitate mounting thereover the shell 1 of the transfer ring annular shell 1 which is thus held against lateral displacement in an inverted position on the annulus 17. The circumferential position of the transfer ring .annular shell 1 is determined by cooperation of a notch in the edge of said shell with a rojection 21 on the annulus 17. The side 0 the annulus 17 opposite that occupied by the boss 18 is bridged by across piece 22, from which projects a bearing boss 23 that is axially bored to receive and guide a reciprocatory p)lun er 24 terminating at its outer end in a all' andle 25. This plunger 24 is influenced by a helical spring 26 in comression between the outer end of the bearmg boss 23 and the handle 25, outward movement of the plunger being limited by means,

such as a collar 27, adapted to abut against the innerv face of the bridge piece 22. Pivotally mounted to the carrier 16 at the inner periphery of the flange boss 18, is a follower or trigger 28 which normally lies in the path of the plunger 24, and when the transfer ring is in position on said carrier overlies the actuating bars 6 and 7 respectively of the shell 1 and sleeve 4 of the transfer ring, as clearly shown in Figs. II, III, IV and V. To the inner end of the plunger 24 is pivqtally hung a hook 29 adapted,

' when the transfer ring is moved to position over the needle cylinder 11, to swing beneath the actuating rods 6 and 7. The hook 29, it will be observed from Figs. IV, V and VI, is counterweighted at one side so as to fall away from the rods 6 and 7 as the carrier is moved to the retracted position of Fig, II.

s a means for locking the transfer ring to prevent its dislodgment as the carrier 16 is swung to transfer position over the needle cylinder 11, I provide a latch 30 which is pivoted to the carrier 16 at 31 and designed to engage a notch or aperture 32 in the shell 1,0f the transfer ring under yielding influ ence of a leaf-spring 33 secured to a lateral boss 34 of the carrier 16. When the carrier 16 is in its retracted position the latch 30 is maintained withdrawn by virture of its engagement with a stop 35 extending from the abutment 19 previously described, so that the transfer ring may be readily placed on, or removed from said carrier.

For the purpose of preventing rotative movement of the needle cylinder 11 during the transfer operation, I provide a locking in 36 adapted to enter an aperture in the top face of the driving gear 37 whereon the needle cylinder 11 is mounted, but which is normally held retracted by a helical spring 38 that surrounds the same. In order to effect such locking of the cylinder 11 automatically during inward swinging of the,

tion shown in Fig. II, proper positioning both laterally and circumferentially being determined through guidance of the boss 18 and cooperation'of the pro'ection 21 with the notch in the shell 1. he knob is thereupon grasped, and, immediately upon the initiation of the inward swing of the carrier 16, the latch clears the stop and is, as a result, urged inwardly by the spring 33 to engage the aperture 32 of the shell 1 of the transfer ring, thereby locking the latter to the carrier 16. When the carrier 16 has been swung inwardly to the full extent .as determined by the stop 1711, the transfer ring is supported in transfer osition axially of and above the needle cy inder 11 with its points 3 conti 'uous to, and aligned with the wardly movement of the carrier 16, the lock- I ing pin 36 is depressed as shown in Fig. III to hold the needle cylinder 11 against rotation during subsequent manipulations of the transfer mechanism. The plunger 24 is thereupon depressed in opposition to the spring 26 its movement being communicated to the trigger 28 and in turn by the latter to the actuating bars 6 and 7 so that the shell movement continues ,IlIltll the trigger 28 swm s clear of the end of the plunger 24 at whic time the feet 8 of the shell 1 encounter the top of the sinker ring 13 on the needle cylinder 11 to determine the 'proper c0- ordmative engagement of the points 3 with the needles 12, as shown in Fig. VIII. In further movement of the plunger 24 the rod 7of'the stripper sleeve 4 alone is engaged and the strippers 5 consequently advanced to effect stripping of'the fabric stitches from the points 3 and their transference to the needles 12, as clearly shown in the enlarged view of Figure IX. Upon; release of the ball handle 25 on the plunger 24 after completion of the transfer, the parts of the transfer ring are automatically restored to their original positions relative to each other and to the carrier arm 16 as follows:

From Fig. VI it will be observed that the spring 26 in its effect upon the plunger 24 will cause the hook 29 tolift the bar 7 there-' by bringing the stripper sleeve 4 back to its normal position in the shell 1 of the transfer ring, and in continued movement of the plunger 24, said hook will likewise engage the actuating bar 6 thereby restoring the shell 1 to its original position on the carrier 16, the latch 30 slipping back into the aperture 32, and the boss 18 serving the while as a guide for said shell. The carrier 16 is then swung'to the retracted position of Fig II,

the latch 30 in engaging the stop is withdrawn from the aperture 32 in the shell 1,

and at the same time the hook 29 falls away from the rods 6 and 7 so as to leave the transfer ring free for ready removal from the carrier 16 so that another web may be placed upon it, or another ring substituted therefor, in readiness for a succeeding transfer operation. Also coincidentally with the retractive movement of the carrier 16 and attendant positional change of the cam 39 the locking pin 36 is permitted to rise under the action of its spring 38 thereby to release the needle cylinder 11 so that the'machin'e may be started to complete the stocking.

The modified type of point shown at in Fig. X differs from the type of the other illustrations in that it is fluted or slotted only in its outer end thus adording an internal shoulder 46. When points 45 of the modified type are employed in the transfer ring, the feet 8 may be entirely dispensed with, since the downward movement of the shell 1 during transfer will be properly determined wlien the shoulders 46 of said points come to rest against the needle tops,

as shown in the illustration.

Wherever in the appended claims, the term stitches appears,sit is to be understood that the same is employed in its broadest sense and refers not only totrue stitches but to loops as well, and in fact, any bight of yarn capable of being acted upon as a stitch.

claim:

1. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer device comprising a multiplicity .of stitch points and associated combination with carrier means for supporting the transfer device with its points in alignment with the needles of a knitting machine, means for shifting the transfer device to bring its points into engagement with the knitting needles for stitch transfer and thereafter moving the stripper means to displace the fabric stitches from the points, and means for automatically restoring the Having thus described my invention, I

independently movable stripper means;'in

stripper means to the original position in the transfer device and the device on the carrier at the completion of the transfer operation.

2. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer ring comprising an annular shell provided with a series of projecting stitch points also a diametrical actuating bar, and an independently movable sleeve provided with strippers adapted to cooperate with the points, said sleeve also having a diametrical actuating bar; in combination with a carrier for supporting the transfer ring above the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine with the points in alignment with theneedles, a manipulating plunger onthe carrier, a trigger pivoted to the carrier normally in the path of the plunger andoverlying the diametrical actuating bars aforesaid, whereb as the plunger is depressed, both bars are a vanced to simultaneously effect movement of the shell of the transfer ring and its associated stripper sleeve to shift the points into engagement with the knitting needles, and :incontinned movement of the plunger, after the trigger has swung clear of the same, the actuating bar of the stripper sleeve alone is engage and the sleeve inde endently advanced to strip the fabric stitc es from the points.

3. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer ring provided with an annular series of stitch points also a diametrical actuating bar; in combination with carrier means for supporting the transfer ring above the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine with the points in alignment' with the needles, plunger-manipulat- 7 ing means adapted to engage the actuating har of the transferring to move the same relative to the carrier for the purpose of store the transfer ring to its original posi-' brin ing the points into engagement with the itting needles for stitch transfer, a

hook on the plunger adapted to engage beneath the actuating bar, and a spring operative upon the plunger tov automatically retion on the carrier when 'the' plunger is released at the completion of the transfer 7 operation.

' enced manipulating plunger on the carrier for engaging the actuating bar of the. transfer ring to shift the latter relative to the carrier in transferring the fabric stitches, a pivoted hook adapted to engage said actuatmg bar to effect automatic restoration of the transfer ring to its ori 'nal position on the carrier upon release o the plunger to the .spring action, said hook being counter- ,weighted so as to' fall away from the bar as the carrier is retracted to permit removal of the transfer ring from the carrier,

, 5. -Mechanism for transferring knitted fabrics including a transfer ring comprising anannular shell provided with a series of projecting stitch-points also a diametrical actuating bar, and an inde endently movable sleeve provided with strippers-adapted to cooperate with the points, said sleeve also having a diametrical actuating bar in combination with a carrier for supporting the transfer ring above the needle 0 linder of a circular knitting machine with t e points in alignment withtheneedles, a manipulating plunger on the carrier, a trigger pivoted to the carrier normally in the path of the plunger and overlying the diametrical actuating bars a foresa d, whereb as, the plunger is depressed, both bars are a vanced to simultaneously effect movement of the shell of the transfer ring and its associated stripper sleeve to shift the points into engagement with the knitting needles, and in continued movement of the plunger,'after the. trigger has swung clear of the same, the actuatm bar of the strip er sleeve alone is engage and the sleeve independently advanced to displace the fabric stitches from the points, hook' means attached to the plunger and adapted to engage beneath the actuating bars, and'a spring operative upon the plunger so that as the latter is released at the completion of the transfer operation, the stripper sleeve is automatically restored to its original position in thetransfer'device, and said device to its original position on the carrier.v

6. Mechanism for transferring knitted web including a transfer ring comprising an annular series of stitch points, in conibination with carrier-means for swinging the transfer ring from an inverted location into transfer position over the needle cylinder of a circular. knitting machine with the points in alignment with the needles thereof, means to automatically lock the transfer device to the carrier during swinging movement of the latter, means for temporarily holding the transfer ring properl 'ali ed'over the needles, means for bodily moving the trans-- fer ring to bring the points into engagement with the knittin needles, and means pendant to the trans er ring adapted to engage the needle cylinder tolimit movement of said ring.

" 7. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer ring comprising an annular series of stitch points, in combination, with carrier-means for swinging the ring from an invert retracted position into transfer location above the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine with the points in alignment with the needles thereof, means to automatically lock the transfer device to the carrier during swinging movement of the latter, means for temporarily holding the transfer rin over the needles, means or bodily moving the transfer ring to brin the points into engagement with, the-need es, and a number of projections on the ring ada ted to engage with a protruding ledge o the needle cylinder to limit the movement of said ring;

8. Mechanism for transferrin knitted webs including a transfer device with a multiplicit of stitch points, in combination with vertica ly-swingable carrier-means for moving the transfer device from an invert retracted'location into position with its points in alignment with the needles of a knitting machine, means to automatically lock the transfer device to the carrier during swinging movement of the latter, means for temporarily holding thetransfer ring properly positioned over the needles, means for bodily directly aligned moving the transfer device relative to the carrier to bring the points simultaneously into engagement with the knitting needles for stitch transfer, and means for automatically restoring the transfer ring to its original position on the carrier at the completion of the transfer operation.

9. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer device comprising a multiplicity ofstitch points, in combination with vertically-swingable carrier means for moving the transfer device from an inverted location into transfer position over the needles of a knitting machine, and a spring-influenced locking-pin adapted to hold the needle cylinder in locked position while the transfer device is in the transfer position.

lock the same against rotation while the transfer device is in transfer position.

11. Mechanism for transferring knitted 1 webs including a transfer device comprising a multiplicity of stitch points, in combination with vertically-swingable carrier-means for moving the transfer device from aninverted location into transfer position over the needles of a knitting machine, means to automatically lock the transfer device to the carrier during swinging movement of the latter, a plunger pin co-operative with the needle cylinder driving gear, cam means adapted to depress said pin into locking engagement with the driving gear, and spring means serving to retract the plunger from such locking position. I

12. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer device comprising a multiplicity of stitch points, in combination with vertically-swingable carrier-means for moving the transfer device from an in verted location into transfer position over the needles of a knitting machine, and means comprising a spring influenced pin with cooperative means actuated by a cam surface on 'the fulcrum hub of the swingable carrier aforesaid to lock the needle cylinder against rotation as the carrier means is swung to transfenposition. v

13. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer device comprising a multiplicity of stitch points, in combination with vertically-swingable carrier-means for moving the transfer device from an in verted location into transfer position over the needles of a knitting machine, a spring influenced lock pin adapted to engage the needle cylinder driving gear, a co-operative arm. pivoted to the carrier sustaining bracket, and a plunger swept by an eccentric cam on the fulcrum hub of the swingable carrier aforesaid whereby the needle cylinder is secured against rotation as the carrier means is swung to transfer position.

14:. Mechanism for transferring knitted webs including a transfer device comprising a multiplicity of stitch points, in combina-' tion with vertically swingable carrier means for moving the transfer device from an inverted location into transfer position over the needles of a knitting machine, and cam actuated plunger means adapted to positively arrest rotation of the needle cylinder prior. to inversion of the transfer device into actual transfer position.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this 6th .day ofDecember, 1923.

LOUIS N. D. WILLIAMS. 

